thesmellypocket

“An excellent work that will enrich future generations,” acclaims Father Pius of Sutica.

Pius of Sutica grows half-mad having to make a history of Olivier de Savoie with nothing for source material but scathing polemics like these.

Oops realised this was ironic

((Phenomenal work. If this isn't pinned it should be.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WRI_-SxgpQ0aTHnsacuFher3fB_z56ReLXUJXwyPEzs/edit

THE CAPE COLONY Head of State: Queen Victoria. Leader: Prime Minister Gordon Sprigg. Born in Ipswich, this Puritan stoic is a relic of the 17th century – and proud of it – in his Cromwellian religious beliefs. He is no mad imperialist, but will be aggressive to secure advantages and protect South Africa. He led the colony in the Zulu War and oversaw the annexation of Natal, and has refused to budge over the annexation of the Transvaal. Privately, he confesses to a friend “The irksome Boer will accept our rule as long as the Zulu knocks at his door, but as soon it is the British tax collector that does so, he is all cries of indignation.” Hence, victory against the Zulu was actually the prelude to the conflict between Brit and Boer – with the prospect of 40,000 well-led Impis ravaging the Transvaal gone, the Boers no longer have reason to seek protection under British rule. But despite this change in circumstances, Sprigg will not budge. Toward the natives, Sprigg uses a forceful hand and agrees with the more segregationist policies of the Afrikaners. Sprigg is an Englishman, through and through, with a lot of popularity back home but many doubters in South Africa, who essentially see him as the British government’s man in Africa, and not their man. Sprigg is having much trouble handling the situation in Basutoland, which was annexed to the Cape by Disraeli in 1871. Other influential politicians include: Jan Hofmeyr, the chief representative of the Dutch farmers in South Africa, who is a realist, opposing the British annexation of the Transvaal but also the prospect of a revolt in that place, who wants to turn South Africa into a Canada-style federation (Local interests can be better looked after if the South Africans form a single, united front), although privately he hopes for eventual independence from the British flag. Upington, a witty Irishman, J.W. Sauer, Secretary for Native Affairs; Saul Solomon, eloquent and deeply sincere; Schreiner, the brilliant and high-minded lawyer; Cecil Rhodes, the agreeable Anglo-Saxon imperialist, and J.X. Merriman, who shares many an argument with Rhodes and his allies. There is also the High Comissioner, Sir Hercules Robinson, Captain Graham Bower, the Imperial Secretary, and Mr. (Later Sir) T.C. Scanlen, the native-born unionist who is another opponent of the aggressive imperialist tendency. The main political issues are: treatment of the Natives, the Masutoland question, imperialism, (mis)management of the economy, the annexation of the Transvaal, the prospect of a South African union, and whether this should be under the British flag or not. On the latter, at least openly, everyone is unanimous. Economy: Despite recent turbulence, the newly semi-independent country is prospering and attracting brave settlers and pioneers from afar. The discovery of the diamonds in the Transvaal has vastly enriched diamond tycoons like C.J. Rhodes and has bred a new generation of hardy pioneers with much more imperialist ideas. Army: Most of the British troops went home after Ulundi. The British army mostly consists of garrisons. The garrison of the Transvaal numbers about 1,500; that of Natal about 1,700. Almost all foot with a few field guns. These are the two main concentrations of strength of the army. Around 4,000-6,000 can be raised in native infantry within a short period of any war beginning. With the prospect of war looming, Sprigg must secure fresh reinforcements from London.

((Don’t mind me, just posting some stuff I wrote but never posted. During Hunwald’s Pontificate I got permission to write this Proverbs-type text, which would have a semi-canonical status. It was approved fully by all the relevant authorities and I posted it in the Church discord, but never on the forums. It is also quoted at length in the Breviary. I wrote it in Latin and English, so Father Humbert, my char at the time, translated it and wrote detailed footnotes. I will post the introduction here; the rest is in the doc. ((Link to text: (It has detailed footnotes so should be read in doc?https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gg65mjMHKMIIhUNLSOT6a-n5c7FUO625VDRMxbDfB3w/edit )) THE PROVERBS OF EXALTED GODFREY -Translated by Father Humbert, O.S.J.- Preface: Note on the Canonical Status of the Text. The Proverbs, also known as the Book of Wisdom, were transcribed in the time of the Prophet Godfrey, and from that time the Canonical status of the text has been seen as unclear. Some hold that, since it is the work of a Prophet, as well as for a number of other reasons, the Proverbs should be considered an intrinsic part of the Holy Scrolls. Others that these are the proverbs of Godfrey and not the Wisdom of God, and therefore they cannot be considered as Revelation. Others still have even postulated that the Proverbs are a work based on what Godfrey said, instead of being proverbs directly transcribed from him, therefore being an historical work, and on those grounds containing no divine inspiration whatsoever. It is incumbent on the Church to decisively rule on this matter - for our Apostolic duty is that there be no dissension or confusion, but that unity and love reign among us. Truth is our object; therefore Truth must be established if ever it can, otherwise the office of the Church is doubtful to begin with. Since the honour of translating this text has fallen unto me, an unworthy slave, who has access to both the Church and Judite archives, I would humbly but firmly give my reasons for thinking this text partly canonical. I will then give the arguments often advanced against this text, and then the manner of their refutation. All this being noted, signs that point to a canonical text include: i)The immaculate preservation of the manuscripts from one century to another. This is quite remarkable. In a time when printing was almost unheard of, such manuscripts were relied upon. We may generally rely upon their accuracy, for any differences from manuscript to manuscript are usually superficial: spelling conventions, grammatical errors and the like. Yet the Proverbs prove to soon be astoundingly different. Each manuscript, over centuries, is the exact same, to the point of near-impossibility. For example, in the time of Godfrey it was often the custom in Flexio to omit the letter ‘j’ and instead use ‘i’ as in ‘Iustitia’ being ‘Justitia.’ Yet even in the newest manuscripts do we find the use of Godfrey’s time. Now, whilst this individual thing is not remarkable in itself, imagine thousands of variations like this simply not appearing. As an historian and clergyman myself, I can safely say that the preservation of these manuscripts is near-miraculous, if not outright so, and is matched only by the preservation of St. Jude’s Theses. ii)Exalted Godfrey makes prophecy, especially notable in the sixth chapter. This heavily suggests at least an element of direct divine inspiration, rather than it being the work of the mere fallible man, it would therefore be understood as being the work of the Prophet; therefore of God. iii)In the first chapter, Godfrey says ‘Tradidi quod et accepi’ which is, in Common, ‘I hath passed on what hath been given me.’ (1:2) This direct reference to receiving something asserts something external to himself, further reinforcing the second point. This is even made clearer in 3:1 when Godfrey says he has ‘received’ the prayers, and calls them the ‘sum of Truth’ - and since God is the fullness of Truth, it must follow that this text has been received from Him. In the first chapter Godfrey also directly quotes God as saying ‘Ego Sum Via Veritas et Vita.’ (1:2) That is ‘I am the Way the Truth and the Life.’ iv)The work is explicitly theological. It concerns right action in the light of God. Exalted Godfrey had two offices: Prophet and Emperor. We may say that since this is not the work of a secular Emperor, it might easily be the work of Godfrey the Prophet. Attempts at refuting the Divine origin of the text include: i)The genre itself suggests that this is not Revelation. Revelation is a direct message from God, but here it is supposedly in the form of proverbs. Divine Revelation is much more explicit and God would have been more clear if he wished this to be considered as such: to say otherwise is to ascribe fallibility to God and therefore constitutes Heresy. Yet this argument is flawed. The Epistles do not of themselves mention directly that they are the Word of God. They do mention the Prophethood of Exalted Owyn, yet so does this text. So if an explicit ‘this is the Word of God’ is necessary, then we are in for some slippery slope. As for Heresy, it would be prudent to answer this: I earlier called on the Church to review the Canonical status of this text. If this is Revelation, then it is the fault of men for failing to recognise it, just as it would be men’s fault if the Epistles had no Canonical Recognition. Therefore, to call for the recognition of this text in no way undermines any Dogma; nor does it ascribe falsity to God, who alone is the ‘Alpha and the Omega.’ (Proverbs 1:2.) ii)Even accepting the manuscripts as miraculous, this avails the recognition argument nothing. For St. Jude’s Theses were similarly protected - wouldst thou ascribe the same Divine origin to them? No. I would not. There are many differences between this and the Theses. The Theses are themselves commentaries on the Scrolls and their meanings, circulated for common use. On the contrary, the Proverbs not only stand on their own merit, but contain, as far as I can see, no errors, whilst St. Jude’s works, although fantastic, do. This rules them out from being infallible in a way that these Proverbs are not. Which is more, the authority of a Prophet is verily greater than that of a Saint. I, however, submit all this to the judgement of men far wiser and more advanced than I, who may rule on it in Council. I hope indeed that thou wilt enjoy and relish this translation fully. Thy Humble Slave in God, -Father Humbert, O.S.J.

Population: 31,211,117. (Cities: Capital - Arpinium, Minor Cities: Arretium, Narbo, Capua) and then in turn two, 31,835,339. Leader: First Philosopher Marcus Didius Gracchus, Second Philosopher Spurius Furius Cato. Army: (Commanded: Marcus Tullius Longus, or maybe not.) 6x Hastati, (Irregulars.) 60,000 men. UPKEEP: 2,000 G. Navy (Commanded: Aulus Furius Cato) Monitor, Gladiator. Monitor, Invicta. Frigate, Imperium. Frigate, Probitas. Frigate, Virtus. Frigate, Regina Maris. 5x Transport ships. UPKEEP: 2,000 G and 1 V. Air Force (Commanded: Aulus Furius Cato.) Destroyer, Pietas. Destroyer, Honestas. Corvette, Fortis. Corvette, Filii Infernus. Corvette, Domina Fortunae. Corvette, Numeria. UPKEEP: 0. Education: Research slots = 5. INDUSTRY: 2x V Mine 2x V Refinery 1x Steel Mill 1x Military Factory 2x Civilian Industry (1042 G each) TAXATION: 6,000 G from 30 million people. ECONOMY: 15% Trade bonus. 4 Trade partners. 4 financial districts (16,000 G/turn) 2 trade depots. (Arpinium, 2,000 G/turn , Narbo, 2,000 G/turn.) Income on turn two: 44,000+2000+16,168-6,000=27,084 G. 4 V - 2 V = 2 V. Treasury: 56,168 G. Tech: Radio 1890 Antibiotics 1889 Research: Improved Vitraium mining 1891 Improved Naval Hulls (?) Tanks (?) The Philosophate 1889-90 (Double Post.) With Rue my Heart is Laden! An insistent knock. Young Lucius Gracchus, his head throbbing with a hangover, could hardly be motivated to answer it. An insistent knock. And again. And again. And again. ‘Coming!’ The teenager groaned, his austere room strewn with glasses and empty wine bottles; he had no servants. Stumbling over, he trudged to the door and opened it, slowly. Then he gasped to see a Hastatus at the door – a centurion! ’Art thou the Younger Gracchus?’ The grizzled veteran asked with a grin he could not suppress, freshly adorned with a wreath he must have earned by courage in the Seven Days’ Dialogue. ’Yes. What in Neptune’s arse is it?’ ’Oh, nothing sir. A gift from thy noble brother.’ ‘Oh, what?’ Bham! It took a single strike of the truncheon to knock young Gracchus out. Suspicion had grown around the young man since his absence in the Dialogue. Now, without his brother’s knowledge, he was placed in the hands of the Hastati, and closely interrogated. Torture was used – all this with the alleged approval of the Elder Gracchus – although only Numeria knew that she had stolen his Seal and lied to the Imperator! All this was going on without the Head Philosopher’s permission, and those that did it were convinced they were doing the right thing. A deep investigation revealed the supposed staunch neo-Aurelian to be an ardent Communist! The news was presented to Marcus on 4th July, 1889. Indisputable evidence put into his hands, he was filled with rueful tears. ‘With rue my heart is laden,’ he confessed privately to his wife. ‘Gods relieve me of this vale of tears called leadership!’ Halfway between a sickening feeling of betrayal and a grief as deep as the ocean, he sent the order for his trial. What followed would be one of the most famous trials of all time – a trial that just so happened to come in the same year as the commercially available radio. The Trial Lucius Gracchus was forced to wear a business suit for the trial – his Philosopher’s toga denied him. ’Please, my lords. Mercy! I am only young. I know the Communists, I can help you destroy them!’ Lucius Gracchus was a pathetic sight. What else could be expected? He was only a boy. Composed at the start of the trial, by the end of it he was begging for mercy. His own brother was his judge – a right reserved in treason trials for the Head Philosopher. A ‘right’ the ancients called it – but a ‘burden’ it more was! But not only was Lucius tried for treason – he was also blamed for the poisoning of the Imperator, and for the publishing of the incendiary false Dialogue. In short, he was on trial for attempting to turn the entire nation to anarchy. ’Quintus Fabius Antonius,’ Marcus commanded in utmost formality, with immense willpower keeping out the tears. ‘Read thou me the statement of 2nd February 1887 made by Lucius Didius Gracchus, when I offered mercy to someone who had been spreading Communist propaganda.’ ’Brother, thou shewest mercy by being harsh on these dogs. For surely the Reds deserve nothing but the worst death for being against every aspect of the Aurelian Philosophy. They are dogs – they have no truth, no morals! Serve they only to be shot as an example. Thou wouldst massage them with oil, but they should be beaten with fists. Better to be the hammer than the evil – remove these pests with all of thy might.’ The deafening silence was penetrated only by the sound of a lightly ticking clock, which said death would wait a moment more. ’Please, Marcus...’ The traitor sobbed. ‘...Mercy.’ ’That mercy that was decried by thy own counsel is suppressed and killed. Thou must not dare for shame to talk of mercy! Thou knave: that didst bear the bottom of all my counsels, that knewest the very bottom of my soul, that almost mighst have coined me into gold, which thou hast practised on me for thy use! Can it be possible than foreign hire could out of thee extract one spark of evil that might annoy my finger? Tis so strange! So constant and unstopped didst thou seem...that this thy fault have left the kind of blot to mark the full-fraught man. And best endued...with some suspicion.’ A dreadful tear ran down the Philosopher’s face as he spoke, his countenance one of weary wrath. ’Hear thy sentence.’ He resolved bitterly, now not able to stop yet more tearings from spilling down upon his face. ‘Thou art sentenced for high treason, murder and forgery. Go thou to thy death – the taste whereof God give thee patience to endure...This I pray.’ As soon as the sentence had been pronounced, Marcus Gracchus went into a silent room and wept out a heartful of tears. Lucius was then taken out and shot. Devastated by the trial, Gracchus – for it is no longer necessary to say Elder or Younger; Marcus or Lucius – was allowed a month of public mourning. This was probably a very unwise thing to do. But tradition was tradition, and had he not gone along with it, Marcus would have been seen as wretchedly impious. Thus, the elder Cato took over the business of government. When Gracchus returned, he found that the Philosophate officially had a standing army, antibiotics had been invented, and that he had officially been given the hereditary honorific, Magnus. He was now Gracchus Magnus: a step, some might say, toward monarchy...And he isn't happy about it! Scientific Wonders After the intention of penicillin, it is implemented across the Philosophate’s health service and proscribed for serious bacterial illnesses. But not only that. Arpinian businessmen go around the world and sell the drug at a premium price – with its true origin kept secret! [Mod for CASH] An official radio service begins which broadcasts music, recorded versions of Aurelius’ Dialogues, football results, and news. Colonial Adventures After the failure of the colonial expedition, research is put into inventing hulls that withstand the torrid waters and can penetrate into the oceans in search of new land. [Mod – I have two turns on this one.] With the advent of a standing army, effort is put into developing a tank of their own, the Aurelius T-90. It is priorities a cavalry-like mobility and gun potency over armour. [Mod] Mission to the Nazr The mission to the Nazr Dynasty is a great success. Their religious texts and information are brought home and intensely studied. ACTIONS -A brigade of TRIAII are raised (REGULAR INFANTRY). (1 MP, 4000 G.) For the first time in history, these are to be fully professional troops. -Two further heavy factories are built. (15,000 G.) -Two vitramite refineries and mines are built. (20,000 G.) Remainder: 2,168 G.

Population: 30,599,134. (Cities: Capital - Arpinium, Minor Cities: Arretium, Narbo, Capua) Leader: First Philosopher Marcus Didius Gracchus, Second Philosopher Spurius Furius Cato. Army: (Commanded: Marcus Tullius Longus, or maybe not.) 6x Hastati, (Irregulars.) 60,000 men. UPKEEP: 2,000 G. Navy (Commanded: Aulus Furius Cato) Monitor, Gladiator. Monitor, Invicta. Frigate, Imperium. Frigate, Probitas. Frigate, Virtus. Frigate, Regina Maris. 5x Transport ships. UPKEEP: 2,000 G and 1 V. Air Force (Commanded: Aulus Furius Cato.) Destroyer, Pietas. Destroyer, Honestas. Corvette, Fortis. Corvette, Filii Infernus. Corvette, Domina Fortunae. Corvette, Numeria. UPKEEP: 0. Education: Research slots = 5. INDUSTRY (2 buildings): 2x V Mine 2x V Refinery ECONOMY: 15% Trade bonus. 4 Trade partners. 4 financial districts (16,000 G/turn) 2 trade depots. (Arpinium, 2,000 G/turn , Narbo, 2,000 G/turn.) Income on turn two: 20,000-3,000=17,000 G. 2 V - V = 1 V. Treasury: 25,000 G. Tech: Radio 1890 Vitraium mining 1891 Antibiotics 1889 THE PHILOSOPHATE THE SEVEN-DAY ‘DIALOGUE’ It was supposed to be the greatest historical discovery in a thousand years. A lost Dialogus of Aurelius, entitled On the Gods. And it sent the entire island into frenzy. ‘The worship of the gods is utterly alien and barbaric, and distracts from the supreme and unknowable, the One. I utterly deplore their temples, and spit on their statues.’ This direct quotation from Aurelius would wreak havoc among rich and poor, good and evil, men and women – all men and every man. Around 800 years ago, the Philosopher’s Council had ruled that worship and temples to the gods were not only permissible, but admirable. With that decision seeming to be utterly at odds with the original philosophical teachings, the whole edifice of the Philosophate seemed shallow. A pathetic few spoke out against the authenticity of this ‘lost’ document, but found themselves utterly ignored by the great many. The circulation of the Dialogus was almost instant. No sooner had a famous historian published it, than it was to be found as commonly as the daily newspaper or matchday program. The streets, which had known no major outbreak of violence in decades, were turned into rivers of blood as mobs broke into the temples, murdered the priests and destroyed the statues. The staunch traditionalist First Philosopher, M. Gracchus, normally so resolute, heard of his with horror, and, himself unsure of the truth of the matter, sealed himself in his room for seven days, seemingly an utter wreck. Marcus Gracchus and his neo-Aurelians still wear the traditional toga, and demand the same of the other Philosophers. This vacuum in leadership, however brief, provided a window for less scrupulous forces to act. Numeria, the wife of M. Gracchus, seized upon the situation with her powerful network of spies. Having connections with the criminal element of the city, gangs loyal to her sprouted from the ground and seized the material wealth of the temples, fighting gangs loyal to Second Philosopher S. Cato. Worryingly, the new professional football clubs had themselves become politicised and the younger Gracchus, still believed to be a loyal supporter of his elder brother, went mysteriously silent. People are still not sure what he was doing... ...It was obvious that the military had to step in, because the civilian police force had collapsed utterly. But that represented a very serious crossing of the Tiber. The military had not played a role in politics for almost a thousand years: it was supposed to be entirely subservient to, and consistent of, the citizenry. Everyone knew that the navy and air force were loyal to Cato. But what of the army? God alone knew! Marcus Longus, Imperator (Field Marshal) of 50,000 Hastati, was not a Philosopher, and thus his political leanings were impossible to know. The situation (it is said) solved itself when Longus conveniently caught a sudden and fatal illness, dying on the fifth day of Marcus Gracchus’ absence. Longus’ successor, Gaius Flavius Nero, did not share his hesitation. Nero thrust into the capital with a soon-evident resolution: to restore order! After a day taking control of the telegrams, he sent a decree warning of the maxim gun if the streets were not cleared. In some places, he was heeded. In others, gunshots were necessary to clear the streets, purely warning shots. But one street, the Via Virti, remained in uproar. Nero, still reluctant to put the bayonet and machine-gun on the area, tried to break up the violence by concentrating the police and sending them in. Frustrated, he was about to give the order to fire en masse. Nero’s Hastati trample through the streets. He was stopped by Marcus Gracchus, Spurius Cato in tow. ‘Thou art a Tribune to Imperator Longus?’ Gracchus asked with an awesome stoicism that seemed to contradict his previous panic. ‘I regret to report that Longus is dead, sir.’ He replied, grimly smiling, impressed at the Philosopher’s ability to remember his name and rank – a Tribune was just a staff officer. Gracchus gave the nod. Leading his lectors and bodyguards to the scene of unrest, they blared their famous bagpipes. Even the most riotous laid apart their arms at the sight and sound of the noble Philosopher and his bodyguard! He surveyed the once-belov’d streets, now piteous wrecks strewn with the wounded. The shop windows were smashed. It was a scene of the utmost degeneracy...And Gracchus spoke with all the moral force of Aurelius. ’Men, brothers and countrymen: I have failed you. I should not have stood apart from government and caused such chaos. I beg your forgiveness, but I also demand your ears! Because you have been misled. In the five days you have been smashing the images of the gods, you must have wondered what it is I was doing. Well, I will show you.’ He took the supposed treatise of the great Aurelius, and, there and then, to horrified gasps, ripped up the pages in front of their eyes. ’I have been studying these so-called words of Aurelius. They are lies. Bold-faced lies. You see this word? Sanctitas? Such a word is a product of the 19th century. The treatise is full such anachronisms that prove that this is the worst of the very recent past. I do not know who has lied to you, or why. Perhaps they see it all as a joke – a nihilist’s way of watching the world burn. But it was certainly not myself, nor Cato.’ ’Thou wouldst make yourself a king!’ A voice jeered. Gracchus smiled, and asked that he step forward. After some whispers, a dirty old man, his face covered in blood and his breath smelling of the sewers, trudged forward, unimpressed. Asking for water from one his lectors, Marcus Gracchus there stooped down and washed the man’s feet. In a strictly hierarchical system, it was an extraordinary statement of humility and selfless service. ‘Haven’t we all forgotten what it was about?’ Gracchus questioned. ‘We’ve forgotten to love one another, and to grow in virtue! Tribune Nero, mark thou my order: I want the army withdrawn immediately. Civilian rule will resume, at this very moment.’ Order was restored on the 12th January, 1888. Within three months, historians ruled that the Dialogue was entirely fabricated...But no one could trace the fabrication to any one person. Questions of Longus’ death, and what exactly Lucius Gracchus was doing during all this remain up in the air also. There is an important change. The Philosopher’s Senate was in ruins. For the first time, the business of government would be conducted in the open air: with the public free to view. Marcus Gracchus thus boastfully defends his brother, backed up by his political rival, Spurius Cato. The state treasury is found to be strangely enlarged...M. Gracchus is quick to give the money back to the temples. One might suppose that the only good thing that may be taken from this is that the Arpinians know they have a competent Imperator – and one loyal to the state! Perhaps a standing army is not so wretched an idea? The total death toll is 876. Marcus Didius Gracchus is saluted by soldiers as he passes. FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOUNDED Strangely enough, the newfound sport resumed the next day...In the newly founded Association Football League, the two professional teams crush all opposition except one another. More and more teams go professional, and by the start of the league next year, 5 of the 12 league teams are, with a further 6 semi-professional. Only one team, Arretium United, remains amateur, and would-be pundits squarely expect them to finish bottom in the next year. Hopefully, with state backing and newly-set rules, the newly founded League will generate yet more money... [Mod, 300 G invested.] Hooliganism is fiercely put down and consistently campaigned against. Gestures such as shaking hands before the match and the national anthem being played at halftime hope to increase unity. [Mod] Arpinum Rovers celebrate winning the very first league title. OTHER ACTIONS -Academics are sent to the distant country of Tierra Roja to discover their new religion. [Catostrophy] -Spurius Furius Cato, in an impassioned speech, blames overpopulation and the lack of new arable land for the recent unrest. In response, a naval expeditionary force, including 1 transport ship, 5,000 Hastati, a frigate, monitor and escorted by 2 corvettes, taking with them a large number of families, ventures south in order to find new lands to settle, trying to establish an outpost in the first uncolonised and fertile land they can find. [Mod, 2500 G] -In the Unemployment Reduction Act, one new steel mill is constructed,[2,500 G, one steel mill] as well as a military factory. [7500 G] -A sensible new law investing money in civilian industry, practically non-existent until now. [10,000 G, 2 civilian industry.] -The remainder of the treasury is put into repairing the damage of the Seven Day Dialogue Riots! Aurelians and Aurelian-sympathisers around the world are asked to contribute to a relief effort to further repair damage. [Mod] -A son is born! Gaius Didius Gracchus was born healthily shortly after the end of the troubles. Far from leaving their child to wet nurses, Marcus Gracchus and his wife rear the child themselves to begin with. Gracchus was worried when his wife began to tell the boy that he was destined to succeed his father, and than he was a special man set for greatness, as well as lavishing him in luxury, and so withdrew the child back to the nurses, to Numeria’s unfaltering anger. After an household row the child was returned to the mother’s care, after she swore by oath to raise the child in the proper, frugal Aurelian way!

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT OF THE FIFTH ARPINIAN COUNCIL. MADE BY A. TULLIUS. CLASSIFIED. GRACCHUS, ELDER: SONS OF OUR VENERABLE CITY! THIS IS THE FIRST COUNCIL OF THE KIND THAT HAS BEEN CALLED IN 300 YEARS, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE SUPREME GOD. AS SUCH, YOU MIGHT ALL BE WONDERING WHY I, WHO AM SO YOUNG AND NEW, HAVE THOUGHT TO DO SO. CATO, ELDER: IF I MIGHT INTERRUPT THE HONOURABLE AND HONEST PHILOSOPHER? GRACCHUS, ELDER: OF COURSE. CATO, ELDER: I HAVE COME TO PRESENT THEE A GIFT. GRACCHUS, YOUNGER: TENNIS BALLS? WHAT MANNER OF GIFT! HAST THOU NO SENSE OF VIRTUE, MAD OLD MAN? CATO, ELDER: HAST THOU NO SENSE OF HUMOUR, GUTLESS BOY!? I GAVE HIM A GIFT AS MATCHING HIS YOUTH AND VANITY. FOR HE IS SURELY A CUCKOLD OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. I AM AFEARED THAT THE HONOURABLE PHILOSOPHER, WHO PROFESSES MANLY VIRTUE AND STRICT AURELIANISM, WEARS NOT THE TROUSERS IN HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD! THE GIFT WELL BECOMES HIM. I GIVE HIM ALSO A DIADEM, FOR HE WISHES TO MAKE OF HIMSELF A KING. GRACCHUS, YOUNGER: THIS IS UNCALLED FOR. YOU BASTARD CUR! CALLEST THYSELF PHILOSOPHER – LOVER OF TRUTH AND JUSTICE? I TELL THEE, THY JEST WILL SAVOUR BUT OF SHALLOW WIT, WHEN THY FAMILY ARE MADE TO WEEP MORE THAN THEY DID LAUGH AT IT! I WILL MAKE THEM WEEP OUT OF TERROR. GRACCHUS, ELDER: PHILOSOPHERS, RESTRAIN YOURSELVES. FOR WHEN THE LAWS FALL MUTE, ARE WE ANY BETTER THAN THE BARBARIANS? GENTLEMEN, IN THIS MODERN AGE OUR CITY IS AT STAKE. ARE WE PHILOSOPHERS, OR BRUTES? GRACCHUS, YOUNGER: HOW DARE THOU STRIKEST ME? I AM NO BOY, I WEAR THE MANLY GOWN! MY TOGA MAY BE NEW BUT IT’S OF COMMON LINEN, NOT OF LICENTIOUS AND DAINTY THINGS! GRACCHUS, ELDER: PHILOSOPHERS, PLEASE, I BEG YOU! VARIOUS MEN: ****-JUGGLING DOG! DRIVE THEM OUT OF THE HOUSE! LONG LIVE GRACCHUS! HOW DARE THEY DO THIS AT COUNCIL, INSULT THE MANHOOD OF OUR LEADER! THOU BASTARD PIG! WHICH ONE OF YOU TAKES TRANSCRIPTS? DRIVE HIM OUT! CATO, YOUNGER: STOP TAKING TRANSCRIPTS. THIS CANNOT BE MADE KNOWN. GIIVE THOU ME THAaTT TYPEWRITERs> STMFDFNDAF DVDVMBFSBNFBNBFSNB FSJDSVNSDVSDJV ------- I II IVI X CCCMCIXVIVIVIX £$£$£$£Q£%DSGSFGGRSHRSFGVCXVCVCX CX XCDSBSFBGSEFSD ADG(IJG(IJDSBBSB(UNSSNU( GRACCHUS, ELDER: GIVE ME THE TYPEWRITER. I HEREBY SUSPEND THIS COUNCIL, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. I HAVE WRITTEN IT, SO SHALL IT BE. DEPART! CATO, ELDER: HOW VERY KINGLY OF THEE... CATO, YOUNGER: THAT’S ENOUGH, FATHER. PHILOSOPHATE OF ARPINIUM Population: 30 million. (Cities: Capital - Arpinium, Minor Cities: Arretium, Narbo, Capua) Army: 5x Hoplites, (Irregulars.) UPKEEP: 3,000 G. Navy (15 NP): Monitor, Gladiator. Monitor, Invicta. Frigate, Imperium. Frigate, Probitas. Frigate, Virtus. Frigate, Regina Maris. 5x Transport ships. UPKEEP: 2,000 G and 1 V. Air Force: (6 ASP) Destroyer, Pietas. Destroyer, Honesta. Corvette, Fortis. Corvette, Filii Infernus. Corvette, Miles Fortunae. Corvette, Numeria. UPKEEP: 0. Education: 10, Research slots = 5. INDUSTRY: V Mine V Refinery ECONOMY: 15% Trade bonus. 3 Potential Trade partners. 6 buildings: 4 financial districts (16,000 G/turn) 2 trade depots. (Arpinium, 0 G/turn, 1,000 per trade partner, Narbo, 0 G/turn.) Income on turn one: 16,000-5,000=11,000 G. 1 V - V = 0. ‘Darkness to Darkness’ For the first time since he was a little boy, the leader of the only philosopher-state in the world was in tears: a pathetic sight. The rabble-rousing of the Elder Cato and his minority, as well as his own younger brother’s combative tendencies, made the meeting a disaster before he could even unfold his dreams for re-invigorating the Aurelian state. Instead, the meeting had descended into a brawl. Since Councils were so rare, once every age, even, it was supposed to be a big statement. O, and how it was that! But a statement of failure, recklessness and factionalism – the very opposite virtues that Gracchus held dear from his close reading of Aurelius’ work, Res Publica. And the accusation of crypto-monarchism hit the staunch traditionalist deep. ‘I lurch from darkness to darkness...’ Gracchus lamented. His wife, seeing him in such a state, wrapped him up in a bubble of sweetness, but in truth her heart was cold. She is an actual monarchist: she wants her children by the Elder Gracchus to succeed him with supreme power – a power she intends to exercise, of course. Uttering sweet little consolations into her husband’s ear, she persuaded him to seek a personal reconciliation with Cato – and to cancel the Council, during which he had intended to ban Communism, democracy and monarchism as a matter of dogma. Numeria’s Machiavellian mind breathed a sigh of relief: her scheming for monarchy could yet continue. The Elders of Cato and Gracchus were reconciled after Gracchus promised to give Cato a second role to him. Cato apologised for his accusations. But the disaster of the Council still revealed that factionalism was internally tearing at this once-known beacon of stability. Could the Aurelian state survive the challenges of modernity, if even here councillors were throwing bricks at one another? Fortunately, the transcript remained secret...The average person had no idea any Council was even attempted. The business of government continued the next day, as if nothing had happened. ACTIONS -Lovely messages are sent to the Nazr Caliphate. The Elder Gracchus sends an essay, personally and beautifully written, explaining how similar their philosophies and manners are. Offers are made for a trade partnership. -Trade offers are alike send to The Grand Principality of Cumberland and The Republic of Jurevin. -1 Vitramite mine and 1 refinery are built. -Secret action. -1,000 gold kept in the treasury as surplus. -The first two professional football clubs, Arpinium Rovers and Arpinium United, come into existence... -Arpinium begins to research radio technology as a widespread form of long-distance communication. -She only begins to look into better techniques for mining and refining Vitramite. -And, finally, antibiotics.

Discord: You have it Name of Nation: The Philosophate of Arpinium. Type of Government: Oligrachy of Philosophers, aka neo-Aurelianism or Philosophism. History/Culture: In antiquity, a remarkable man was born in the city-state of Arpinium. This state was once a major sea power and a pioneer, but had fallen into decline under the democratic system. This man, called Gaius Tullius Aurelius, called out the hypocritical demagogues, advocated for monotheism and espoused a philosophy antithetical to the ruling elites. By popular demand he was put to death, but his philosophy lived after him, spreading throughout the world: one man commented that all philosophy thereafter was ‘footnotes to Aurelius.’ Gradually, his successors and pupils took over every aspect of government and education. And never have they looked back. This ultra-hierarchical, anti-materialist, anti-egalitarian ideology is bizzare to many, and utterly despised by both liberals and communists. Over the next centuries, Arpinium dominated the humanities and their study around the world. The Arpinian philosophers, rhetoricians and historians are still the base of education in much of the world. The city has had two major crises, but the island enjoys a remarkable stability. The first was in the 11th century, there was violence in the streets and constant gang violence that threatened civil war. THe issue was whether the old polytheistic gods were supreme, or there were no such gods. In 1171 at the First Arpinian Council it was defined that the gods existed, but that they were subordinate creations of the supreme God; the ‘unknown God, also known as The Good. The second was in the present century. Many of the philosophers had become corrupt, unbelieving and lived in luxury, which strictly went against the original teachings. This caused massive discontent. Now, the neo-Aurelians rise. Living strictly according to the highly ascetic rule, the current council largely belong to this strictly orthodox and highly fanatical movement, and harshly persecute Communism and other foul ideologies wherever they can be found. The society is very hierarchical and is governed by a small caste of hereditary philosophers, numbering 51. These men are expected to live by the most rugged rule, and are taught philosophy from a young age. The society grants many protections to women at all levels, except that of government: women never have been admitted into the philosopher caste, although there have been women who have held influence through marriage and family ties. The idea of women being in government is considered utterly absurd. The Philosophate was the first state to abolish slavery. No man owns another, but instead there are castes running through society. The society is very moralistic with monogamy and no divorce except in the case of adultery. Starting Points: (30) Size: 2 Aviation: 2 Military: 5 Industry: 1 Development: 4 Economy: 6 Education: 10 Notable Characters: Marcus Didius Gracchus: A man of remarkably young age, head of the Philosopher’s council. He is a man full of fervour, who lives a strict moral life, and is regarded as very honourable, if naive. A neo-Aurelian, he despises Communism and Democracy, and is friendly toward the Nazr and their Mysticism, considering it very similar to Aurelainism. Gaius Didius Gracchus: The brother of Marcus...A secret Communist and subversive who wants to bring down the system from the inside! He is even younger than his brother though, so he hasn't achieved such a prominent position...yet. Numeria: The wife of Gracchus the Elder. A beautiful and intelligent woman, and also downright evil – a Machiavellian figure, she stoops to levels her husband would not, unknown to him. Many have died of ‘natural causes’ in suspicious circumstances. Spurius Furius Cato: See as the chief enemy of the neo-Aurelians, head of a faction called the Catonists. An old man tired of their moralising and reformist antics! He wants to go back to the lax softness of the 18th and early 19th centuries, a fervent capitalist with a lot of liberal influence. At least, unlike the younger Gracchus, he opposes the neo-Aurelians openly. He also wants a standing army, an idea that sickens the neo-Aurelians. His strident manner has almost seen him ejected from the Philosophers, but he has too many prominent friends. Including... ...Aulus Furius Cato, his son, who commands the navy! National Idea: Far and wide: Since Aurelian philosophers pretty much invented the humanities, and since Arpinian educators have always been famous, Aurelian ideas exhibit an awesome influence. Many crypto-Aurelians and open Aurelians can be found among prominent capitalists, university professors, priests and other powerful men, giving Arpinium a ‘lobby’ throughout the world, and allowing them to exhibit their influence without shedding blood. Hence, they avoided getting involved in the Great War. Unique Units: Hoplites (Irregulars): having no standing army, the Arpinian buys his own equipment and serves a temporary term in the army. Map Position: See above. Proof you’ve read the intro and the rules: Exists only at and for the Englishman’s pleasure.

I am touched by these responses, thank you all! The feelings are mutual.

Just a polite notice that I’ll be leaving lotc. Cheers to all the staff and players, particularly the Savoyard lads if any of you are still about, there were some good times. I 99% of the time played scholar types so if there was anyone who actually read or enjoyed my long writings I appreciate it. Basically, I had grown bored of RP, but then playing a priest had renewed my interest so I became active again, but since I’ve grown very busy, and I don’t think I can really sustain it. LOTC has become a drain and distraction from God (I was baptised a few months ago.) So now I’m focusing on living out a virtuous life, in my prayer, studies, family, work and friendships. And when I do have free time in the home I don’t have enough of it to create a character, plot his development and have any kind of complex RP, I’d rather just wack on a single player game tbh and have a pint... Terr-ah. (Piov already took Benedict XVI!!!!!!)

‘God can save the sinners we are, but not the Saints we pretend to be.’-Father Humbert, O.S.J. (Pictured: Saint Kristoff hears Confessions.) Friends. Are you tired of noblemen who care more about flaunting their vanity than saving their souls? Are you tired of Bishops who care more about political gain than Charity for the faithful? Do you think that the salvation of a single precious soul is more important than all the elections and senatorial debates in the world? Then you may be the kind of man at home at the Oratory. The Oratory, based in Helena, is a house of priests and novices, living in a monastic manner but under no monastic vows, bound together by pure, voluntary love, and existing solely for the servitude of ordinary people. Through preaching, prayer and penance, the threefold outpourings of Divine Love, we hope to reform morals, en-kindle pure love and bring hope to the masses. We are at war; every man, woman and child is a combatant. And it’s not any Wood Elf who is our enemy in this particular war. It is Iblees. Therefore, let us go forth, like knights of old, armed with prayer and humility, and together purge iniquity from within ourselves! Rule of the Oratory ‘For truly, the world was corrupted. But lo, God is merciful.’ -Gospel 5:10-11. (Pictured: Saint Jude in meditation.) The Oratory has no formalised rule, since there are no vows beyond those of a religious priest. However, these principles exist: I.The first duty and call of the Oratorian is the salvation of souls. II.The Oratorian shall wear the simple cassock. Between them, there shall be an equality of dress, and he shall prefer this plain and glorious vestment, to any earthly gown or crown. III.The Oratorian is called to refuse any office beyond that of priest. Only on the special and continued insistence of the High Pontiff himself, can the Oratorian become a Cardinal, much less a Bishop. IV.The bond of the Oratory is Charity. There is no vow of obedience to the Provost, but love alone holds the fathers and brothers together. If you do not see God in the beggar, you will not see Him at the Altar. V.The Oratory is bound to his location. The Oratory are not a religious Order with different branches in different cities, but live in their place, and are independent, being THE Oratory. Oratorians can and are even encouraged to venture out in need, but always remain based in the house. VI.Oratorians are encouraged to live out a modest lifestyle, and live frugally, although there is no Vow of Poverty. There will be no opulence except for Charity to God and man. VII.Oratorians are apolitical. They do not accept political office or vote in elections. If they appear in public meetings, they are there only to offer prayer. Only if the civil authorities oppress the truth Faith can there be direct political action, or if the Pontiff should order such action of the Oratorians. VIII.The Oratorian will not shrink, under pain of death, from uttering his firm conviction that the Canonist Faith is the true Faith: the same Faith as of Horen, Owyn, Siegmund and Godfrey. All other religions are either honestly searching for truth but partially in error, or totally false and disordered. He is therefore prepared for martyrdom. IX.Finally, the Oratorian shall have no trouble calling himself the Slave of God, and belonging entirely to Him through ordination, out of love. Structure ’The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ -Proverbs 1:2 (Pictured: High Priest Clement blesses new priests.) Provost: The leader of the Oratory, elected every five years by the Fathers. There is no Vow of Obedience to him, but he has the power of expelling unsuitable members from the community. He is a first among equals, not a dictator, relying on love and prayer to advance his ministry and unity. Father: An ordained member, or priest, of the Oratory. He is called to offer the Sacraments regularly, to preach and to pray the Breviary, and to help the Provost train Novices. Novice: A brother who wears the cassock and is undergoing formation for the priesthood. Deacon: A ‘permanent’ brother who wears the cassock and is given licence to preach, but is not ordained. He can be unmarried and live with the Brothers, or be married and live apart, albeit usually nearby. Spirituality and Saints ‘My wealth is the true wealth.’ – Virtue 2:5. (Pictured: Saint Catherine with Alms) Most of our spirituality follows the Judite tradition, holding great reverence for Jude’s writings, as well as those of Father Humbert, O.S.J. That Humbert is known to us simply as ‘our Cardinal’, since his ideal of divine slavery, and his model of monastic life and priesthood, is an example that we hope will bear fruit in us. We celebrate according to the Judite Rite. Others Saints and holy people we revere include: Saint Julia, our parish patron, whom we call Queen of our Hearts and Mother of Mankind. We seek to imitate her ten principal virtues. Saint Kristoff, priest and martyr, in his courage and pastoral care. High Pontiff Blessed Jude I, for his wisdom and scholarly disposition. Venerable Julia of Haense, O.S.C., a fiery nun who spread charity throughout the land. Adela Pieta, O.S.J., the lately dead Abbess, who renounced the wealth of the Empire to become a daughter of God, and was martyred. Apply ((please contact TotusTuus #3901 on discord. -Father Philip, Provost, Cong. Orat.-

THE ARCHBISHOPRIC OF KLAGENFURT In 1216, one of the final acts of Pope Innocent III was to authorise the Dominican Order. This was to have vast and unintended consequences for Klagenfurt, which was considered to be one of the mostly bad run and corrupt Archdioceses in Christendom. Whilst the pews grew gradually empty, in heart if not physically, the Archbishop and the great monastics grew fat and rich, barely, if at all, living by their various rules. Learning and literacy were rarely seen in the country, with some key clergymen, it is said, not having enough Latin learning to read the Vulgate Bible. There was even a scandal of sodomy among a priory of monks, who were de-frocked and flogged for their iniquity by the new...Pro-Domincan Archbishop in 1256. Archbishop Dominic Donnaruma, an eccentric and brilliant Italian accounted by many as a Saint, invited the Dominicans over in large numbers. Ungiven to compromise, by fervent and truthful investigation he purged the Archdiocese of corruption, and filled the pews once more. Devotion to the most Holy Rosary exploded. In 1277, the Pope even approved a new Dominican-run university which has since gained a reputation alike to Oxford or Paris. This was a religious revival on a national scale, and it was one man and his favour for a new religious Order that had made it so. About a century later, a new Dominic confronts a different problem. The new Archbishop of the same name as his predecessor knows that the learning of the priests, monks and nuns of the country is very great indeed. Reams of brilliant scholastic treatises flood the shelves, whilst bold new ideas and debates take place at the University of St. Dominic. But popular devotion has grown stagnant. Corruption and hypocrasy once again slowly grips the Church. And now the peace is threatened by an uncertain succession. Dominic knows he must act with a like courage to his namesake. A Klagfurtian at heart, and a choleric not given to compromise, Dominic is driven toward the preservation of peace, the flourishing of learning, and the revival of piety.

THE EMPIRE (Apologies for shortness and lateness of post.) ACTIONS -The Empire finally responds to the Thalmor. It points out that her military preparations are clearly defensive. The focus is clearly on defensive in depth. The Empire states that she has no intent for offensive action against the Thalmor, but is prepared to defend herself from invasion by any power. The Empire send the smooth-tongued (rolled 20/20 for his diplomacy lol) and handsome Numerius Mede to calm Thalmor fears. -Military reforms continue. The main priority is the system of defensive in depth, with reforms like the cataphracts being secondary. -The Emperor’s grandson and second heir Numerius Nero Mede is promoted to the Military Tribunate. Shortly after his talks with the Thalmor, he is dispatched to serve in the staff of his elder brother, Lucius Nero Mede. Lucius becomes known as Nero the Elder, and Numerius Nero the Younger. With Titus II himself a veteran and survivor of THalmor assassination attempts, and his two closest heirs engaged in frontline warfare, it is hoped this will send a message to the people that the imperial family is brave and willing to die for the Empire, thus increasing their popularity. Which is more, the combat experience of the Medes hope to further silence opposition to military reform. -Six cohorts of auxilary infantry and skirmishers are raised in Skyrim. (2,880 men)

EMPIRE OF TAMRIEL Banner of Legio III Justianus. ‘Whiterun’ is added to their battle honours after their brave stand. Named after the Great War hero Legatus Justianus, who commanded the Third, the Legion’s motto is ‘Sit Nomine Digna’ – ‘May we be worthy of the name.’ They also become known as the ‘Originals’ being the first Legion in Skyrim. Legio XIII Titus, one of the other three Legions in Skyrim. The Council voted to name this previously un-named Legion after Titus Mede I (not II) upon Titus I’s death. The Empire could rule Tamriel. Tiber Septim did. He took an Imperial Army to every corner; there was nothing left to conquer – Tamriel was his. But the Septims are dead. Their Empire is weak. And so we live in evil days. The brotherhood of man have turned on each other, instead of the proper enemies! Those who envy all the Empire built. Martin Septim must weep...if the dead weep. I would weep in his place. But I will also hope! The world turns. What was, may come again. The fate still spins the web of men’s lives. So now, perhaps the Gods wish the Empire to be great again. Perhaps a new Tiber Septim will take up the sword. Bring order where there is chaos. Remake the world of men to a better plan. Perhaps... Relief To Whiterun With the arrival and reformation of Legiones XIII and XIV in Skyrim, Lucius Mede is given the rank of Proconsul and Tullius, well-regarded for his success in turning the war around, is made Consul. This puts Tullius in command of the army in Skyrim, with Lucius a close second. Behind them, and commanding the three Legions, are the Legati: Legatus Cipius (III), Legatus Rikke (XIII) and Legatus Hrollod (XIV), the latter being a local Nord warrior promoted from Praefectus for his prowess in maintaining a camp in Eastmarch to disturb Stormcloak operations. Additionally, Hadvar, an excellent Optio of the First Cohort of the Third, is made one of that unit’s centurions. The war, the Imperials know, is far from over, and therefore must be fought with the best commanders possible. Legatus Quentin Cipius’ reputation is augmented by the defence at Whiterun. His disciplined style of command leads men to say: ‘His drills are bloodless battles, and his battles are bloody drills.’ But these new troops must be put to use. There is no value in defending Whiterun from the Stormcloak menace, only to let her people starve disgracefully. The people of Whiterun Hold are praised for their sacrifice in denying the Stormcloaks any crop, and are assured of the Empire’s help. But actions speak louder than words, and soon, Tullius authorises a massive relief effort in an attempt to feed Whiterun. All pro-Imperial Jarls are asked to contribute to the relief fund. The Empire promises to pay and reward those Jarls who give succour to the afflicted city, whilst grain is also brought in from Cyrodill. Additionally, the Imperial Whiterun Relief Agency (IWRA) is set up, backed by the Imperial Family, which asks peoples of all classes and races to give charitably to Balgruuf’s people. The Emperor imposes a salt tax on Cyrodill in order to fund the IWRA. An emotive poster which shows a Whiterun Guard stumbling to the ground, dying, looking sadly to his family as they fester in malnutrition. The caption reads: HE DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY. SHOULD THEY STARVE? DONATE TO THE IWRA, MARA SAVE THE EMPEROR. The family look right out at the people reading the poster in a way that catches out and jumps at people. Additionally, two Cohorts of Legio XIV are set to work re-digging irrigation and doing other forms of manual labour to restore the Hold to working condition quickly. A Startling Intervention Some speculated that he was senile. Others, that he had lost the willpower needed to rule. For almost a year, Titus Mede II had let his relatives do most of the ruling. He had appeared once, very briefly, to open the Military Commission, but seemed to disappear after that for a full half year. But truthfully, old age hadn’t made Titus hadn’t finished his brains just yet. The Gods had vested in him one more task. All old age did is make him all the more impatient when it came to dealing with nonsense. It seemed the Reformists were losing control of the Commission. The Limes system was impractical, why implement it during a war, and why implement it at all? These arguments seemed to be prevailing in all quarters. Noster Eagle-Eye, newly appointed Praefectus, had his scouting expertise dismissed by anti-Reform officers as nothing but the useless insight of a grunt. Legatus Justianus, brought out of retirement to back up the Reforms, and whose military writings informed them, was dismissed as too old to render valid judgement. Numerius Mede was seen, on the other hand, was far too young to do so. The Reformists, then, seemed to be made up of two groups: veterans of the Great War determined to avoid the same calamity again – their experience dismissed as invalid or senile – and bright young officers with an equal determination – their inexperience being itself a dismissal. The Reformist cause seemed lost. The Emperor has lost all patience with the folly of the generals in opposing his quite logical reforms. But then, the Emperor appeared without warning. For the first time in months. ’Gentlemen, these reforms are very hard to implement. It is much easier for us to stick to the old ways.’ He begins to the horror of the Reformists, speaking stoically to a packed, frustrated and tense room. ‘To go back to the way we fought the Great War. This is the way that has served the Empire for centuries...’ ’...Which is precisely why we must implement these reforms!' He bellows with a compelling force. ‘Gentlemen! I saw Cyrodill in flames because we attempted to fight the next war on the last war’s terms. Whole villages were desolate. The City itself rendered a pathetic ruin. And I led the Legions back across that selfsame land. I barely survived the assassins the Thalmor sent to dispose of me – I carry the scars with pride! How many of you can say the same? While you were a glint in the milkman’s eye, we’ he gestures to Justianus ‘were busy with saving the Empire from destruction. Therefore, our Reforms will not be cast aside.’ ‘This is the latest statement I will permit myself to make. Therefore, heed our adaptations, or like to men proud of destruction defy the enemy to their worst. The gates of mercy shall be all shut up, and the flesh’d invader, rough and hard of heart, in liberty of bloody hand shall range with conscience wide as Hell, mowing your grass and fresh-fair virgins and flowering infants. Fellow men of the Legions: take pity of your towns and of your peoples, whiles yet your soldiers are in your command. Whiles yet the cool and temperate wind of grace, o'er-blows the fifthly and contagious clouds of rape, spoil and villainy. For if you do not Reform, our Legions will be strewn ineffectually across the frontier as last time, and therefore we must have a proper frontier. If not, why in a moment, look to see the blind and bloody invader, with foul hand, defile the locks of your shrill, shrieking daughters, your fathers in their silver beards and their most reverend heads dashed to the walls, your naked infants spitted upon PIKES, whiles the mad mothers, with howls confused, do break the CLOUDS! What say you? Will you Reform, and this avoid, or guilty in defence, be thus DESTROYED?’ With this remarkable intervention, the Emperor hopes to get the whole Commission backing the Reforms. The first and most important Reform is the establishment of Limes – the two-tier frontier and scouting system, and the granting to Limitatenses land along the frontier territories. Diplomatic Actions -A squadron of warships is dispatched to Hammerfell’s coastline to aid that country in anti-piracy actions. A young admiral is put in charge – imperial shipwrights actually accompany the Squadron on their mission, hoping to learn what they can from this military experience. -Trade with the Crowns accepted; Talib is also offered the honourary rank of Proconsul as a sign of the Emperor and Senate’s esteem.

’AVE IMPERIVM' The flag of the Provincia of Cyrodil: ‘Senatvs Populvsqve Cyrodilis.’ Arms of Titus Mede II. The Reigns of Power Titus Mede II is an old man. Still a respected leader in most of the Empire for his leadership at the Battle of the Red Ring, Titus Mede II is nevertheless an old man. Now, he begins to pass on the reigns of power to his children. His grandson and heir, Lucius Sempronius Longus Nero Mede, has already distinguished himself in the Civil War in Skyrim, notably saving General Tullius’ life at Helgen, and is respected and feared by the Stormcloaks for his courage, brilliance and honourable nature, showing an unusual clemency in war. Titus II had hoped to recall his heir to the Imperial City to accept a co-Emperor role, but the incredible appearance of Dragons in Skyrim, as well as the resurgence of the Stormcloak menace, forces the Emperor to keep his eldest grandson there. To reinforce him, he dispatches two half-strength Legions, the XIII and the XIV, deciding to bank on a quick victory in Skyrim. In addition, one light cavalry Ala (A unit of 500 men under a Prefect) and one heavy cavalry (to a total of a thousand) are sent to get to Skyrim as quickly as possible. These are put under the command of Tullius. Whilst the Legions arrive, Lucius is sent to raise locals to augment their strength. As part of the upcoming Titian Reforms (See below), Lucius, using his typical charm offensive and respect among the locals, tries to raise up enough Nords to fill these Legions up when they arrive. And, which is more, as part of the Reforms, the locals are given full and equal status as Legionaries. Lucius makes sure to recruit officers either from veteran rankers, or local, respected Thanes. It is made abundantly clear that these Nord local troops are equal citizens and subjects, and therefore that they are not auxiliaries, but full Legionaries: this is an effort of the entire Empire against a criminal and terrorist element; Lucius even becoming known as ‘one of our own’ among the Nords due to his proposal to marry Nordic stock (see below) and adopt Nordic customs in his household. If he can recruit even more troops than this, all to the good, and a new Legion or half-Legion will be formed from these. Meanwhile, to further augment local recruitment, the Nords are promised a pension for military service including a sizeable plot of land, basically raising them greatly in status and wealth after the end of their military service. This is hoped to induce many of the urban and rural poor to sign up; tough men who will fight for their own patch. With Lucius’ absence in Skyrim, the reigns of power are instead delegated to the other relatives of Titus Mede II. In particular, the very young Numerius Mede is noted for an incredible ability like unto his elder brother Lucius, and is therefore seen with Titus on public business. He, in particular, plays a prominent role in the new Titan Reforms. The Titian Reforms Whilst the Legions performed admirably in the latter stage of the Great War, it is clear that the Thalmor practically steamrolled them within a short time in the wars’ early stages, leading to many debacles that threatened the very survival of the Empire itself. The Empire needs more soldiers on the frontier, but more soldiers alone cannot address the numerous flaws that allowed the Thalmor to waltz the frontier without a hassle. Titus convenes a military commission, comprising veteran scouts, mages and soldiers, as well as his own grandson Numerius, to examine the Thalmor frontier and the state of the Legions in general. Their conclusion could not be clearer. The Imperial Legion is still using a system which dates back to the Oblivion Crisis. A system that will work no longer and is not adapted at all to the present circumstances – instead, it is for a time when the Legion was more the police force of an hegemonic power, rather than a unit made for the defence in depth of a long frontier. Whilst Titus Mede II has been able to effect some change, a more comprehensive and systematic change is needed: i)The Legion must adopt a true defence-in-depth strategy in order to cause maximum damage to the Thalmor. It was once said by the great Arena champion, Gaiden Shinji, that if a man defends everywhere, he will everywhere be weak. Thus, instead of the legionary heavy infantry being ineffectually strewn across the frontier like a rash of bacon, a much better system must be devised. This system becomes known as the Limes system. The Legions will no longer be at the frontier directly, but instead be stationed in large armies at the major cities. At the frontier, Limitatenses, or hardened local militias, are created and stationed. These are promised sizeable portions of land (instead of money, which the Empire lacks in) in return for their military service, making these troops semi-professional. A sophisticated alert system is created on the frontier, in order to allow the Legions to rush into action should a sizeable Thalmor army be detected. Lucius Nero sends a local Solitude hero, Noster Eagle-Eye, raising him to the rank of Camp Prefect, in order to advise this system. Noster Eagle-Eye, a veteran of the Great War reduced to begging, is given a very senior role in the new scouting reforms, after Lucius tipped off the Military Commission about him. He is, in a stroke, raised form poverty to defacto Senatorial rank... ii)On the tactical level, there must be changes. Recognising the Elven superiority in archery, the legionaries must increase their own firepower. Both the Limitatenses and Legionaries are given this in the form of deadly throwing darts and slings. The sling, used with lead bullets, is incredibly portable and also hide-able, and can also prove very effective any lightly-armoured mages and skirmishers. Incredibly, Imperial intelligence attempts to keep the Thalmor entirely unaware of this development, so that the Thalmor think the Imperials completely incapable in ranged warfare, and giving the Thalmor a nasty surprise in battle. Fake dispatches are ‘leaked’ that only the Limes troops will be trained with the sling, and on the immediate frontier those few units still training with bows are kept... iii)Additionally, lessons are drawn from the Battle of Red Ring. In a single stroke, unparalleled in military history, the Imperials were able to totally crush a superior Thalmor army. This kind of success must be repeated. Thus, whilst the Limitatenses continue to train in solid and effective shield-wall tactics, the Legionaries are trained in a new kind of warfare. This is called Manipular warfare. Pairs of centuries are merged into new units called Maniples that alternate in the line, creating an highly flexible chessboard shape that allows for flanking and manoeuvring. Each Maniple is self-sufficient: with its own senior centurion, a troop of mages, and missile weapons in the form of darts and sling. This reform is supposed to vastly increase the battlefield flexibility of imperial troops: no longer being reliant on support from their Cohort or Legion, imperial field armies can now manoeuvre their heavy infantry. iv)Behind the Limes, guerrilla warfare is embraced. Lessons are learnt from the stalwart Argonian and other guerrilla forces in recent history. The Imperials attempt to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. The relative poverty of the Imperial Treasury has meant the granting of land in the depopulated frontier lands of the Empire, as opposed to good wages or money-based pensions. But this can surely only be a great hindrance for the Thalmor. For as soon as the Limes are overcome, the enemy will find themselves in a country utterly swarming with military veterans who are respected in the area and own a great deal of land. This means the Thalmor will constantly have to leave a vast trail of troops in order to maintain control, meaning that the further they go into imperial territory, the much weaker they will become. v)Among these new units granted land are the new heavy cavalry – almost resembling feudal knights, granted land in return for military service. Young families are granted land in these new frontier territories if they will submit to rigorous military training, and buy the heaviest horses and armour possible to act as shock cavalry. These new units are formed up, and called Cataphracts or Super-Equites. These reforms are set to take place over the next few years. It is hoped the frontier and Cyrodill armies shall be reformed very quickly, with Skyrim and other provinces’ armies being later attended to. The Military Commission will continue to sit on these matters until the Reforms are complete. Diplomatic Affairs -Proposals from the FOREBEARS for trade are swiftly and graciously accepted. Ennis is offered the honourary rank of Proconsul – a clear recognition of the Empire’s intentions of friendship, as well as recognition of the independence and territorial integrity of Hammerfell. -The Emperor sends an official letter of thanks to the Orsinium for their military backing of the Empire. These new troops are quickly integrated into the new Reformed military system: they are formed into a new, elite, shock-troop Legion that takes its place behind the Limes. Like the other troops, they are again given the more feudal reward of pensions. -In Skyrim, with battle fast approaching, WHITERUN is offered a marriage or betrothal to the imperial family. This idea originates with Lucius, who proposes to marry one of the Jarl’s daughters. This is presented as a win-win, for by it Lucius wins favour with the Nords and is shown as genuine in his attempt to ‘go native,’ but a deal in which Whiterun gets by far the better side, since such a close marriage between the heir of the Empire and the daughter of a Jarl would vastly enhance the Jarl’s prestige. It would also leave no doubt as to the Jarl’s allegiance in the war. -Also in Skyrim, Jarl Elisif is officially proclaimed ‘Queen-Regent’ of Skyrim. This is a clear statement of the Empire’s position. King Torryg was murdered by an illegitimate regicide, and therefore Elisif is reasonably Regent until the Moot. At the Moot, a new king or queen should be elected – excepting Ulfric and his supporters, who have committed treason not only against their Emperor, but, it is stressed, against the Kingdom of Skyrim herself. Therefore they are not true sons of Skyrim, but traitors to her. -Further to this, Queen-Regent Elisif , the usually mild-mannered widow, ‘accidentally’ slips that the Stormcloaks are actually helping the Thalmor, by weakening the only credible bulwark against it. It was only the courage of Nord troopers that allowed for the imperial victory at the Red Ring; therefore a weakened and divided Empire cannot hope to have anything like the same chance of resisting them a second time. If the Thalmor ask the Empire to apologise for this outrageous outburst, no comment is given, except that the Empire is not responsible for what the Regent of Skyrim says...This is done to subtly hint to the Nords the Emperor’s long-term goal of defeating the Thalmor and restoring Talos worship. Private Talos worship is also ‘overlooked’ or ‘missed’ by imperial officers. ACTIONS -Lucius Mede raises up (at least) two-half Legions in Skyrim to complement the two half-legion already being sent there. -Lucius, already respected even by many Stormcloaks for his heroism in the war, attempts to ‘go native’ by his marriage to local Nordic stock and adoption of Nordic customs. -The reigns of power are increasingly taken over by Titus II’s relatives. -Nord troops are promised healthy land-based pensions for military service. -A sweeping set of military reforms is set in motion by the Military Commission at the Imperial City, totally changing the manner of frontier defence and adapting the Empire to modern war. These reforms are -Forebear trade agreement accepted. -Close marriage proposal with Whiterun. -Imperial position in Skyrim clarified by declaration of Regency. -Not-so-subtle slip by Elisif of what is already known but cannot be said: imperial ambitions to resist the Thalmor in the long-term.

Faction Name: Empire of Tamriel, Mede Empire. Discord: You have it. Brief History of Your Faction: Recent history has not been kind to the once hegemonic Empire. The Oblivion Crisis ravaged Cryodil, and only the rise of the Mede Dynasty prevented the Empire’s collapse into chaos. After the Great War, in which the Empire would have been utterly vanquished were it not for the military genius and courage of the Legions under Titus Mede II at the Battle of The Red Ring, which, whilst not able to stop the sacking of the imperial city, was able to achieve a total and decisive victory over a Dominion army which looked poised to waltz to all over her, the Empire is divided by the White Gold Concordat, and looks ahead wearily to the next war. Titus Mede II, regarded as an hero in Cyrodil for saving the Empire from destruction, is detested by many Nords for the White Gold Concordat, whilst the now-independent Hammerfell distrusts him for his attempts to ‘sell them out.’ However, they do have a common rival in the expansionist Elves, who will not rest, it is known, until their banner flies over every city of the Empire. Now Titus is an old man. But his heir is the brilliant Lucius Mede, who has already distinguished himself in the Stormcloak Rebellion as General Tullius’ most brilliant Tribune, even displacing the experienced Rikke as his second in command. Now, he is recalled to the Imperial City, and begins to increasingly take the reigns of power...

N I C K E R N A T I O N

Nation Application Discord Name and # [PM if needed]: You know it Nation Choice: Vatican City (Okay I’ve tried to play the Pope twice and it’s been ended prematurely don’t judge me!!!!) Character/Party name: Pope Leo XIV. (r.2020-). (Robert Sarah) Have you played a modern nation frp before?: Yes, as Lebanon. Will you be able to post regularly?: Yes.

Father Humbert, O.S.J., pledges sincerely to pray, along with the other brothers, for the repose of the soul of the Cardinal.

Having noticed a need for a Book of Prayers, and in answer to those who have asked for an increase in them, I have here written or translated many for common use. Your humble slave in God, Father Humbert, O.S.J. Venerable Julia of Haense. CONTENTS. I.General Prayer. II.’I Confess...’ III.Resolution to Do Good. IV.Resolution to Avoid Evil. V.Blessing Before Meals. VI.Grace After Meals. VII.Protection during the Night. VIII.Tribulation I. IX.Tribulation II. X.Imitation of Saint Kristoff. XI.In a Hard Campaign. XII.Savoyard Prayer Before Battle. XIII.Prayer for Courage. XIV.Prayer for Soldiers. XV.The Mother’s Prayer. XVI.Prayer for the Family. XVII.Prayer for Familial Love. XVIII.Suitor’s Prayer. XIX.Discernment I. XX.Discernment II. XXI.Discernment III. XXII.Discernment IV. XXIII.Discernment V. XXIV.Benedicta Filio Horen. XXV.Judica me. XXVI.Vindication of God. XXVII.Miserere. XXVIII.Act of Contrition. XXIX.After Sinning. XXX.Repose of the Dead. XXXI.Brothers and Sisters Departed. XXXII.At the Hour of Death. XXXIII.Chastity. XXXIV.Temperance. XXXV.Charity. XXXVI.Diligence. XXXVII.Patience. XXXVIII.Kindness. XXXIX.Humility. XL.For Oren. XLI.For the Emperor. XLII.For the Imperial Family. XLIII.For the King’s Peace. XLIV.For the Church. XLV.For Priests. XLVI.For the Pontiff. XLVII.For the Sick. XLVIII.Asperges Me. XLIX.For Doctors. L.In a Storm. LI.At Sea. LII.Peace I. LIII.Peace II. LIV.For Adria. LV.For the Auverginians. LVI.For Elves. LVII.For Orcs. LVIII.For Dwarves. LIX.Litany of Saint Jude. LX.Litany of Saint Edmund. LXI.Litany of Saint Catherine. LXII.Litany of Saint Kristoff. LXIII.Prayer to Saint Jude. LXIV.Before Writing. I.The General Prayer Everlasting and Almighty Father, who commandeth the waves, judgeth the dead and forgiveth the penitent, whose name is the most hallowed and most glorified, grant, we beseech Thee, our petitions on this day. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Grant peace in our time and the conversion of all sinners, heretics and heathens. Amen. II.The Confiteor. Note: The Confiteor is not a substitute for going to Confession. If you have committed substantial sins (Such as murder, theft or fornication), ask a priest to take your Confession immediately. FLEXIO: Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti, beato Horeno semper fideli, beato Carolo Petri, beato Hadriano Fortissimo, beatae Juliae, sanctis Papis Danieli et Sixto, et omnibus Sanctis, quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere: mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatum Horenum semper fidelem, beatum Carolum Petri, beatum Hadrianum Fortissimum, beatam Juliam, sanctos Papos Danielem et Sixtum, et omnes Sanctos, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. Amen. COMMON: I confess to almighty God, blessed Horen ever-faithful, blessed Charles of Petrus, blessed Adrian most Brave, blessed Julia, the holy Pontiffs Daniel and Sixtus, and all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beg blessed Horen ever-faithful, blessed Charles of Petrus, blessed Adrian most Brave, blessed Julia, the holy Pontiffs Daniel and Sixtus, and all the Saints, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Amen. III.A Resolution to do Good Almighty and everlasting God, whose very name and object is perfect Charity, grant, I beg Thee, that I might do the things that Thou commandest, and consecrating all things to Thee, might make Thee the object of all my desires by aiding those around me. For in my fellow man I see Thy love, Thy perfecting hand, and the potential for good, and so, seeking Thee, I venture to help him today. IV.A Resolution to Avoid Evil O God, whilst the ways of the world are corrupted, Thou alone art the Lord. Therefore, in all things wordly there is imperfection, and in Thee alone perfection. This being my Creed, the evil ways of the world shall I rebuke on this day, nor shall any temptation to unkindness, lust or greed o’erwhelm me, for the heavenly crown of humility is Thine to grant. V.Blessing Before Meals Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Everlasting and Almighty Father…(General Prayer…) VI.Grace After Meals We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy benefits; who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen. Everlasting and Almighty Father…(General Prayer…) VII.Protection During the Night God, send down Thy Angel to watch over me this night. Set also the Exalted and the Saints on a watch over me, that I might, through Thy power, have in them a shield on this night against the assaults of Iblees. VIII.In Time of Tribulation The Lord ruleth me, I’ll not want. He makes me down to lie, in pastures green: He leadeth me, the quiet waters by. For though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Thy rod and Thy staff, they hath been a comfort to me. IX.Saint Kristoff in Tribulation Saint Kristoff, the foe presses me from all sides. The occasion of sin gathers round about me, and I am too weak to resist alone. Therefore, pray for me to God, to grant me strength in this difficult time; bid Him dry my tears and renew my Faith. X.A Prayer to Imitate Saint Kristoff God, who didst give us Thy humble servant, Kristoff, give us the Grace to imitate his virtues, that, by his example, we may all deserve to live, as he lives, with Thee, in our heavenly home. Amen. XI.In a Hard Campaign God, do not let us freeze to death, grant unto us bountiful rations, and permit us to see home once more. If not, for Thou knowest best, cast merciful eyes upon us, granting repose to our dead, and lift up all the dead of this bloody war into their Heavenly Home. Amen. XII.Savoyard Prayer (Edgar de Saltpans) God is the author of victories, and in Heaven, there is no difference between but a few and a great many. For our courage is not in the multitude of the army, but strength cometh from Heaven. They come against us with an insolent multitude, and with pride, to destroy us, and our wives and children, and take our lands. But we will fight for our lives and our laws, and as for the enemy, we shall fear them not. We will trust Him. XIII.Prayer for Courage Saint Edmond, model of all knights, possess me not with fear; grant me peace and strength in the hour of battle. Let God think not on my faults but on my potential. I swear that if I come through this day with courage, I will strive to embody the honour that thou didst: I shall show clemency to the prisoner, give succour to the widow and spare the peasant. Amen. XIV.Prayer for Soldiers Saint Edmond, as our soldiers go into battle today, grant them fortitude and protect them. Pray for God to show mercy to the dead, and that in hoping for victory today, we may win the peace tomorrow. XV.The Mother’s Prayer Saint Julia, wife of Horen and mother of Mankind, pray for my husband and children. Grant them length of days, happiness of heart and purity of spirit. But pray for me also, so that I might defend my children from Iblees, bring them up to piety, and, in doing so, do God’s work: the salvation of souls. XVI.Prayer for the Family Exalted Horen and Saint Julia, behold us prostrate at your feet, learning by your most noble example. Through God our Lord, grant us peace and harmony, and, through the abundant graces God hath given to you, bless us in times of need and plenty alike. XVII.Prayer for Familial Love God, who created seven thousand kin of each of the Brothers; who gave the most Exalted Horen a Spouse as an example to all men and women, fill our household with Thy Charity, make us one flesh as Thou hast promised, and unite us one and all to Thy love. Amen. XVIII.Suitor’s Prayer Saint Julia, I wish to join my hands to another in Holy Matrimony. Grant me, through your prayers, the wisdom to discern the right woman, and the virtue to win her heart, for, as the most splendid mother of Mankind, thou knowest best. XIX.Discernment - Saint Catherine Saint Catherine, I entrust my discernment to thee. Those Sisters of old, animated by thy spirit, did rush forth to many an extraordinary act of piety and charity. I want to know, too, if I might be counted among thy daughters. Please pray for me, that I may know if I might be a mother to orphans, a sister to penitents and a servant to my neighbour. O, most kind and gentle comforter of the afflicted, do but give me the call, and I will fly to do God’s work. XX.Discernment - Saint Julia Adorable and wise Saint on high, the towering noises, occasions of sin and near-infinite distractions of this world are too much for me. Am I, then, called to prayer and contemplation? Answer thou me, and I will do whatever He tells me through thee. XXI.Discernment - Saint Kristoff Greatest of Confessors, most just of Bishops and most faithful of priests, I kneel before thee in hope that I might better know the will of God. I am unsure of myself. I know that the call of the priesthood is not an easy one, as thy own martyrdom and hardships attest, but I am prepared to follow it if it is God’s will, for I desire, with the fullness of my heart, nothing less. XXII.Discernment - Pope Saint Daniel O, mighty and wise ruler of God’s Church, tell me how best to serve. Am I called to administer Confession, Baptism, Matrimony and Blessing? Are these to be the fourfold tenants and purposes of my life? I love and admire all these most Holy Sacraments of God with all my heart – and if given the call, I will serve all in offering them. XXIII.Discernment - Saint Jude Saint Jude, thine own writings reveal thyself to be perfectly content with how thou lived thy life, and I seek that same contentment. Am I to find it by becoming thy son, by virtue of my Brotherhood to monks? I am ready to mortify myself and accept whatever God doth will with a contrite heart, if only thou wilt help me to find out whatsoever he wills. XXIV.Benedicta Filio Horeni (Trans. by Saint Kristoff) Hosanna Filio Horeni Benedictus qui venit In nomine Domini Rex Oreniae. Hosanna in Excelsis. [Hosanna, Son of Horen Blessed is he who comes In the name of the Lord The King of Oren. Hosanna in the Highest.] XXV.Judica Me, Deus. Faithfully Translated into Common. Flexio: Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta, ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me. Quia Tu es Deus, fortitudo mea, quare me repulisti? Et quare tristis dum affiglit me imicus? Emitte lucem Tuam et veritatem Tuam; ipsa me deduxerunt et, et adduxerunt in montem sanctum Tuum, et in tabernacula Tua. Et introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum Qui laetificat juventutem meam! Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus, Deus meus. Quare tristis es, anima mea? Et quare conturbas me? Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor ilii, salutare vultus mei, et Deus meus. Common: Judge me, O God, and discern my cause from the nation that is not holy; deliver me from the unjust and disobedient man. For Thou art God, my strength, why hast Thou cast me off? And why do I go sorrowful whilst the foe afflicteth me? Send forth Thy light and Thy truth: they hath conducted me, and brought me unto Thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles. And I will go unto the altar of God, to God who giveth joy to my youth! To Thee, O God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, o my soul? Why does thou distress me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him: the salvation of my will, and my God. XXVI.A Vindication of God ((J.H. Cardinal Newman, C.O.)) “God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.” XXVII.Miserere. Faithfully Translated into Common. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my iniquity. Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me. To Thee alone have I sinned, and have done evil before Thee: that Thou mayst be justified in Thy lessons and may overcome when Thou art judged. For behold I was conceived in iniquities; and in sins did my mother conceived me. Behold, Thou hast treasured truth: the uncertain and hidden things of Thy wisdom, Thou hast made manifest to me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. To my hearing Thou shalt give joy and happiness: and the bones which have been humbled shall rejoice. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God: renew a right spirit in my bowels. Cast me not away from Thy face, and take not Thy holy ghost away from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and strengthen me with a perfect spirit. I will teach the unjust Thy ways, and the wicked shall be converted to Thee. Deliver me from blood, O God, Thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall extol Thy justice! O Lord, Thou wilt open my lips, and my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise! For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: with burnt offerings Thou wilt not be delighted. A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Deal favourably, O Lord, in Thy good will with Oren; that the walls of Helena might be built up. Then shalt Thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations, and incense: then they shall lay the bells at the altar. XXVIII.Act of Contrition O God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. May I never offend Thee anymore. May I love Thee without ceasing, and make it my object to do, in all things, Thy most holy will. XXIX.After Sinning Catherine, my most gentle advocate, I am afraid. I have offended God. Now, pray to God that I might earn the courage to go to Confession, receive forgiveness, and do those penances prescribed to me in a spirit of perfect obedience. XXX.For Repose of the Dead Do Thou, O Lord, have mercy on our dearly departed, for the sake of us sinners all who greatly hope and trust in Thee. For Thy mercy can turn bittering weeping to joyous fanfare, for Thou alone judgeth the living and the dead. XXXI.For Brothers and Sisters Departed Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon them. XXXII.At the Hour of Death Saint Kristoff, who died a noble martyr, pray for me. Use the merits of thine own glorious death and advance my cause, and grant me a courageous and faithful end. Amen. XXXIII.Prayer of Chastity; Repudiation of Lust O God, relying not on my own strength, but resting on Thee as my staff, I here rebuke all the fornications and adulteries of this life, in order to earn the crown and glories of the next life, pledging to live chastely, by Thy mercy and aid. XXXIV.Prayer of Temperance; Despising of Gluttony God, grant, I beseech Thee, control over my desires, that Thou mightst become my only want , as Thou art my only need. For I know that I shall come to the holy courtroom and give an account of myself when I die, and, knowing this, I pledge to not let the flesh rule the soul, nor the tongue the mind. XXXV.Prayer of Charity; Against Greed O Mighty God, my salvation, grant that I might imitate Saint Tobias, who, by Thy infinite mercy, was able to see what truly mattered: the Good, and that, in imitating his liberality, that I might not be consumed by greed. XXXVI.Prayer of Diligence; Rousing Against Sloth God, help me focus on the work of this day, by the intercession of Saint Godwin. For, though a leper, he toiled with all his heart: even a fraction of his merit and diligence shall see me through, my duty done. And I must do my duty. XXXVII.Prayer of Patience; Controlling of Wrath O God of Battles, who art by sin offended, calm my heart of all anger, so that I might not be tempted to rash action and unkind words. Grant that I might become a font for Thy patient love, as Saint Jude was when he suffered beatings readily in the street for want of Thee. XXXVIII.Prayer of Kindness; Enemy of Envy God, who alone art perfect Charity, if I should speak, think or do things in unkindness today, rebuke me, but, before that, strengthen my own meekness and mildness, that I might be the font of Thee. XXXIX.Prayer for Humility; Against Pride O God, I am nothing before Thee. Why have I desired, why have I ever wanted, why have I searched in vain for all but Thee? O God, my God, I am but a drop in the ocean, a leaf on a tree, yet, knowing that even a drop and a leaf falling is known to Thee, reduce me in pride. Let me hate myself, and love Thee. XL.For Oren Most adorable Julia, look down with merciful eyes upon Oren, the nation of thy husband, and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee. Through your prayers to God on High, grant for our nation universal peace and humble piety. Pray for our Emperor, that he may live by virtue all his days, and avoid the beasts of pride, lust and avarice.  XLI.For the Emperor We beseech Thee, O almighty God, that Thy servant, [name], who has by Thy mercy taken the government of these realms, may advance in all virtues; that being adorned therewith, he may be able to avoid the enormity of sins and to come to Thee, who art the way, the truth and the life. Amen. XLII.For the Imperial Family O God, who governs the world, and who hath set this family in dominion over us, grant them goodwill and virtue, that they might be a model for all the realms that they govern. Grant them also length of days, in order that we might have length of peace! XLIII.For the King’s Peace May our king, by Thy will, rule great and glorious, long to reign over us, as a servant of Thee. Bid that, in his realm, strife and hatred cease. Spread universal peace, the wide world o’er. XLIV.For the Church Saint Daniel, please pray for all the prelates of the Church in their hour of need. Grant them the strength to observe their vows, and grant all the people the grace to use those Sacraments provided by Holy Mother Church. Most of all, grant our Holy Pontiff, [name], virtue in all his ways, and wisdom in all his acts. Amen. XLV.For Priests Grant unto Thy servants, O Lord, forgiveness of their sins, consolation in life, and continual guidance: that serving Thee, they may always deserve to attain to Thy mercy. Amen. XLVI.For the Pontiff O God, Shepherd and King of all the faithful, graciously look down upon Thy servant [name] whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint pastor over Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that by both word and example he may edify those who over whom he is set, and together with the flock committed to his care, may attain eternal life. Amen. XLVII.For the Sick Deal favourably, O Lord, with Thy subjects, who are afflicted by terrible illness and plague. Spare us, Thy people, from Thy father, and, for those who do die, grant unto them mercy and the eternal reward of Heaven. Amen. XLVIII.Asperges Me. (Taken From Miserere) Flexio: Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo, et mundabor. Lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor. Miserere mei Deus, secundum magnam misericordiam Tuam. Gloria Patri, et Horeno, et Omnibus Sanctis! Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen! Common: Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, Lord, and I shall be cleansed: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy. Glory to the Father, and to Horen, and to all the Saints: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen! XLIX.For Doctors Saint Amyas, my model, guide my hand today. May your prayers imbue me with a perfect love and care for all my patients. L.To Avert a Storm Almighty God, we beg Thy clemency: be pleased to check these heavy rains and show unto us a cheerful sky. We beseech Thee, O Lord, that all the spiritual wickedness may be driven away from Thy house, and that the fury of the storms may pass away. Amen. LI.At Sea. O most powerful and glorious Lord God, at whose command the winds blow, and lift up the waves of the sea, and who stillest the rage thereof: We Thy creatures, but miserable sinners, do this in our great distress cry unto Thee for help: Save, Lord, or else we perish! LII.For Peace, Saint Amyas Saint Amyas, the ravages of war, plague and famine hath assailed us all too much. Pray for God’s mercy, that we may be spared of these evils, and that we may, with perfect Charity, strive to avoid them. Amen. LIII.For Peace Saint Amyas, the ravages of war, plague and famine hath assailed us all too much. Pray for God’s mercy, that we may be spared of these evils, and that we may, with perfect Charity, strive to avoid them. Amen. LIV.For Adria Saint Emma, most noble of all Adrians, pray for thy country in her hour of need. Bid her rebuke corruption and hatred, and be united in spirit and in mind to God in all things. As thou didst fight Schism, grant Adria also a perfect unity, that, joined together in thy name, she might prosper in all things. LV.For the Auverginian People Saint Edmond, grant unto thy people peace and goodwill through thy prayers to God. May they live by thy virtues and merits, and never desert the right path for the murky forests of immodesty, pride and unkindness. LVI.For Elves Omnipotent Lord of Creation, grant peace and blessings upon the Elven people, who Thou didst create with length of days and wisdom. Grant that they may lay apart the borrowed glories of magical idolatry, and do only good in Thy eyes. Amen. LVII.For Orcs God, grant unto the Orcs, those courageous warriors, Thy peace, that they may be made worthy of the promises of God, and not cursed with the sin of Krug. Rebuke them not in their idolatry, but deliver them from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for-ever and ever. Amen. LVIII.For Dwarves God, who didst make a noble but stubborn race in the Dwarves, melt their hearts to the love of Thee, and grant them peace in all their days. LIX.Litany of Saint Jude Deus, Creator Terrae. [God, Creator of the Earth] R: Miserere nobis! [Have mercy on us!] Deus, qui iudicat mortes. [God, who judgeth the dead.] R: Miserere nobis! [Have mercy on us!] Deus, Rex Omnipotens. [God, Almighty King.] R: Miserere nobis! [Have mercy on us!] Pater splendidissimus. [Father most splendid.] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Pater Humilis. [Father most humble.] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Pater Sapientissimus. [Father most wise.] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Qui tu audivisti confessio regis. [Thou who didst hear the confessions of kings.] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Qui tu praedicavisiti in omni urbis. [Thou who didst preach in all cities.] R: Ora pro nobis! Qui toleravisiti planctus et odium. [Thou who didst suffer beatings and hatred.] R: Ora pro nobis! Qui vixisti viam paupertatis. [Thou who didst live the way of poverty.] R: Ora pro nobis! Sancte Iuda… [Saint Jude…] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Deus, Rex Omnipotens. R: Miserere nobis. LX.Litany of Saint Edmond Deus, Creator Terrae. [God, Creator of the Earth.] R: Miserere nobis! [Have mercy on us!] Deus, qui iudicat mortes. [God, who judgeth the dead.] R: Miserere nobis! Deus, Rex Omnipotens. [God, Almighty King.] R: Miserere nobis! Exemplar Equitum. [Model of Knights.] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Pater Virtutis. [Father of Chivalry.] R: Ora pro… [Pray for…] Vindex Hominum. [Hero of Mankind.] R: Ora... Miles Honestissimus. [Soldier most Honourable.] R: Ora... Qui, tu dedisti captivo. [Thou who didst grant mercy to the prisoner.] R: Ora... Qui, tu consequebaris disciplinam. [Thou who didst observe discipline.] R: Ora... Qui, tu eras semper fidelis Imperatori tui. [Thou who wast ever loyal to thy Emperor.] R: Ora… Protector Viduarum. [Protector of widows.] R: Ora... Pater Orphanorum. [Father of Orphans.] R: Ora... Sancte Edmund... [Saint Edmund...] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Deus, Rex Omnipotens. R: Miserere nobis! LXI.Litany of Saint Catherine (Short Form.) Deus, Creator Terrae. [God, Creator of the Earth.] R: Miserere nobis! [Have Mercy on us!] Deus, qui iudicat mortes. [God, who judgeth the dead.] R: Miserere nobis! Deus, Rex Omnipotens. [God, Almighty King.] R: Miserere nobis! Sedes Sapientiae. [Seat of Wisdom] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Consolatrix Afflictorum. [Comforter of the Afflicted.] R: Ora… Refugium Peccatorum. [Refuge of Sinners.] R: Ora… Femina Purissima. [Woman most pure.] R: Ora… Domina Pacis. [Lady of Peace.] R: Ora… Sancta Catharina.. [Saint Catherine...] R: ...Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Deus, Rex Omnipotens. R: Miserere nobis! LXII.Litany of Saint Kristoff (Short Form.)  Deus, Creator Terrae. [God, Creator of the Earth.] R: Miserere nobis! [Have Mercy on us!] Deus, qui iudicat mortes. [God, who judgeth the dead.] Miserere nobis! Deus, Rex Omnipotens. [God, Almighty King.] Miserere nobis! Filii Amyas. [Son of Amyas.] R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!] Miles Dei. [Soldier of God.] R: Ora... Sacerdos Fidissime. [Priest most Faithful.] R: Ora... Episcopus Justissime. [Bishop most Just.] R: Ora... Terror Daemonum. [Terror of Demons.] R: Ora...  Martyr Fortissime. [Martyr most Brave] R: Ora... Sancte Christophore… [Saint Kristoff...]  R: ...Ora pro nobis! [...Pray for us!] Deus, Rex Omnipotens.  R: Miserere nobis! LXIII.Prayer to Saint Jude HOLY Father, our patron and defender, look down from the loftiness of Heaven to this calamitous sea, blessing and visiting this vineyard of thine that we have maintained, according to the example of thy works and virtues. Steer this little ship of thine, so that thou who art placed on high, may keep us off all the rocks of evil desires, that with thee for our pilot and our guide, we may safely come to the port of eternal bliss. Amen. LXIV.Before Writing. Saint Jude, whose workings were inspired and protected by the miraculous work of God, pray also for my own inspiration. May the fear of God, the beginning of wisdom, and perfect love of Him above all things, inspire every word which I am about to write.

’My sheep hear my voice: and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them life everlasting; and they shall not perish for ever, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand.’ (John 10:28) ADVERSUS IUDAEOS A Call for the Liberation of Palestine from the Jews TO all the Christian Faithful, Apostolic Greetings. It is our duty to inform the Jews, that Jesus, who is the Christ, hath risen from the grave, and, having conquered death, and living and reigning with the Father in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, lives, conquers and reigns over the entire Universe, for it is written: the Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. (Psalm 23:1.) All things being His, the Pope, having, as the successor of Saint Peter, the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 16:17-19), does assert a primacy over the entire world, even those assassins of Christ who now inhabit the Synagogues. In order to promote this truth, we have demanded, through an ambassador of the Patriarch of Antioch, permission to send missions to that land that is called Judea. But the Jews hath been the enemy of the Faith from the beginning, persecuting Her at every turn, and by that merit rendering themselves enemies to the whole of Mankind. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) With this divinely breathed truth in mind, we react with nothing but scorn, defiance, slight regard and contempt for the Jewish ban on Christian missionaries. As the King of Judea is barring Christian missionaries from his land, we recognise he is preventing our making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), and is causing the most grievous harm. Therefore do we call on ALL Christian princes and men to liberate the Holy Land from his grasp, and bring it into the fold of Christendom. For, as our Blessed Lord send unto the Jews: ‘you do not believe, for you are not of my sheep.’ (John 10:26.) It is our duty, therefore, to liberate this land for the good of Christendom. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always. ADDITIONAL ACTIONS -We have heard fame of a noble, stubborn race in the far north, across the Euxine Sea. Knowing that they bear some resemblance to the Hellenic race, we do dispatch and entreat the Patriarch of Thessalonica to send missionaries to them. To the Khan of Crimea we bring these Apostolic Greetings, sending the famed Greek missionaries of Thessalonica to them: John, Athanasius, Ignatius and Cyril. These most reliable men will be communicate with you, and we appoint among them John as Bishop of Crimea. -Our friend the good Archbishop of Leon has been received splendidly; the King of Leon continues to be our friend. ACTIONS -Calling Crusade vs Judea. -Sending missionaries to Crimea. -Archbishop of Leon is received kindly, and send back with gifts to Leon. He gets on well with the Pope, who increasingly trusts him.

Gang you want to make:Gang name: The Rankers Leader name: Archibald (’Archie’) Montfort Location (Can be anywhere in the UK): Handsworth (In Birmingham) and Smethwick. They originally set up in Edgbaston and Harborne but found little success in these affluent and upstanding areas, so moved north to Handsworth. Type of members (Englishmen, Jews, Italians, Gypsies etc.): Primarily British and Irish down-and-outs, who, from the great industrial and aristocratic dynasties of the country, fell into disgrace and poverty. At home neither among the lower classes nor among their own kind, they stick together. Many of them fought as rankers in the Great War, which further darkened their experience. They got their name from the Rudyard Kipling poem ‘Gentlemen Rankers.’ Primary ways of moneymaking: The primary industry of the Rankers is illegal drugs. Whilst they are disgraced, they can pass for respectable upper class members, and thus can trade drugs for large amounts of money to degenerate upper class families. The Rankers also make money subverting the new firearms regulations implemented by Mr. Lloyd George, distributing unlicensed firearms from the continent, a growing industry that may overtake drugs in the long-run. With members composed largely of experienced war veterans, this is a natural progression. The Rankers are a small gang, but highly combative and well-bonded, with an almost military structure of sections, platoons and companies.